Welcome to China Real Time’s live feed of what’s happening as tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters take to the streets of Hong Kong.

The city-wide protests entered their fourth day on Wednesday, which marked the start of the National Day holiday in both China and Hong Kong. October 1st marks the 65th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

**********

Hong Kong chief executive Leung Chun-ying, speaking at the flag-raising ceremony, argues that the democracy Hong Kong has been promised by Beijing is better than what it has now:

“It’s understandable that different people have different opinions on the ideal proposal for constitutional reform, but having universal suffrage is definitely better that not having it. It’s definitely better to have five million people vote to elect a chief executive than 1,200. Going to the voting booth to cast a ballot is definitely better than watching on TV from home as the 1,200 committee members vote.” …

David Lloyd-Jones

The most stunning thing I learned today: that Hong Kong was 25% of China’s economy when it rejoined the mainland, but is only 3% today.
I guess it falls into perspective when one considers that Shenzhen was a fishing town of 40,000 then, but is something-teen million people today. That’s a whole clone Hong Kong right there — but without the constitutional and civil rights questions attached from The Party’s point of view.

One “Shenzhen” cuts that 25% down to 12.5%, and the phenomenon has been happening both specifically, e.g. in Chongqing, Shanghai, and a few other places, and in a thin layer all over everywhere.

-dlj.

DivineLegend

Are Constitutional and Civil rights necessary? there is no Moral obligation to do so.